April 27, 2005
If telephone service is moving to the Internet through Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission says the issue of how consumers would reach help in an emergency has to be addressed now, not later.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says he wants the agency to require Internet-based phone systems to quickly implement 911 dialing services to reach emergency responders in their areas.
Martin said the FCC has already heard from consumers using a VoIP service who have experienced problems communicating with emergency police and fire personnel. While the calls usually go through, some of the important data - such as the callers phone number, address and location, have often been missing.
Since the FCC has specifically shielded VoIP from state regulation, Martin said the FCC has a duty to act.
The FCC boss told Congress this week that he has asked the FCC staff to quickly produce a plan to address the issue. He said he expects that plan to require VoIP providers to offer the same 911 calling services offered by traditional telephone companies. The next FCC open meeting is May 19, and Martin said he hoped to present a proposal at that time.
Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) is also pushing the FCC for action, specifically criticizing Vonage, the largest Internet telephone provider. Kirk said Vonage customers have very limited 911 access, and said the FCC should be warning consumers not to buy service from Vonage.
While the FCC has no jurisdiction over advertising messages, the Federal Trade Commission and the various attorneys general do. The attorney general of Texas has filed suit against Vonage for not disclosing its 911 problems. Vonage has disputed some of the allegations.
